Abstract
In the present study an ELISA assay was developed and validated for detection and determination of the concentration of snakes venom in biological samples. Individual component of each venom (Cerastes cerastes and Macrovipera mauretanica) used as immunogen to raise specific rabbit IgGs in order to set up a sandwich-type ELISA. Lower detection limit, linearity, accuracy, precision, reproducibility, and reference intervals were determined. The method proved to be simple, specific, reproducible, sensitive (detection limit = 0.5 ng/ml) and the calibration plot was based on linear regression analysis (r = 0.980) between 0.9 and 1000 ng/mL of venom concentration, with a lower limit of quantification of 1.58 ng/mL. The intra- and interassay coefficient of variation ranged from 2,02 to 4.62% and 5.29 to 7.40%, respectively. The specificity of the assay was tested using vipers, cobra and scorpion venom. This method detected venom from all viper species tested without significant cross reactivity with other venoms in the concentration range of 0.9–1000 ng/mL. This ELISA described is sufficiently validated for clinical evaluation. The method is adaptable to other venoms. This is potentially useful for clinical diagnosis of snakebite, to monitor antivenom dose, and consequently to improve the national health monitoring systems.
Highlights
Snake envenomation is an important medical problem in many parts of the world in tropical and subtropical regions [1,2]
873 snakebite cases were reported to the Center Anti Poison et de Pharmacovigilence du Maroc (CAPM), an average incidence of 2.65 cases per 100,000 inhabitants with 218 cases each year [7]
Cerastes cerastes (Saharan horned viper) and Macrovipera mauretanica are classified among the potentially incriminated in the most envenomation accidents cases reported in Morocco [7] and they are one of the common causes of
Summary
Snake envenomation is an important medical problem in many parts of the world in tropical and subtropical regions [1,2]. We describe an ELISA using specific Fab’ for the measurement of venom antigens of the most common cause of snake venom poisoning in Morocco [7] Cerastes cerastes, and Macrovipera mauretanica in plasma. The relevance of this assay for monitoring health vigilance systems has been assessed by measuring the concentration of venom in the plasma of bitten patients after the envenomation and the evolution of the venom concentration during the following hours
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
